The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step program relies on several prayers and daily reflections to find strength in recovery, but the best-known prayers are The Serenity Prayer and the prayers for steps One, Three, Seven, and Eleven. The Serenity Prayer is consistent across programs, but other AA prayers may have different versions. However, they always have the same essential message to aid…
The definition of a drug is flexible depending on the use and the context. From a broad perspective, a drug can be considered as any substance that can change your body and brain functions. Put another way, anything that interacts with your body’s biochemistry and, as a result, alters your mood, perceptions, and behavior can be considered a drug. Drugs are…
Does Hydrocodone Make You Sleepy? One of hydrocodone’s side effects is that it causes you to feel sleepy and drowsy. However, it negatively impacts your sleep quality by disrupting your sleep architecture. This can have the negative side effect of making your pain feel worse. Unfortunately, for some, this results in an increase in the dosage of hydrocodone, which further exacerbates…
Codeine and hydrocodone are both opioids that are commonly prescribed for pain. They have many similarities, including side effects and risks, but hydrocodone is stronger. While they can be effective for treating pain, both codeine and hydrocodone have a high potential for misuse and addiction. Learn more about the similarities and differences between codeine and hydrocodone, their side effects and risks,…
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a hallucinogenic substance with mind-altering effects and a high potential for abuse and addiction. This potent drug was initially intended for use as an anesthetic but was pulled from medical applications due to the severity of its effects. Some effects of PCP include euphoria, hallucinations, irritability, disorientation, memory loss, detachment, and more. PCP Drug Facts PCP (phencyclidine) was…
Both meloxicam and ibuprofen are NSAID medications. As a classification, these can lead to gastrointestinal issues, and it is not recommended to mix two drugs of the same type at the same time. NSAID Medications: How do they work? Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a classification of drugs used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme…
Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can be a long and arduous process with obstacles to overcome along the way. For some, transitioning to everyday life can be the most overwhelming aspect, but 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) build connections between recovery peers and offer resources to help, including AA Daily Reflections.[1] What Are AA Daily Reflections? AA Daily Reflections…
Concerta and Ritalin are two brand-name versions of the prescription medication methylphenidate hydrochloride. Other than some differences in how these drugs are formulated and prescribed, the primary difference is how long the effects last. Find out the similarities and differences between Concerta and Ritalin, how they work, their side effects, and how to determine which is right for you or a…
The drug formerly known as Accutane was the brand name for the generic medication isotretinoin, which is administered as a treatment for persistent, treatment-resistant acne. Due to the dual risk of liver toxicity, mixing accutane and alcohol can be harmful and is not recommended. Alcohol Facts: Effects, Health Risks, and Dangers Drinking alcohol is typically a socially acceptable vice when consumed…
Ativan, a brand-name benzodiazepine prescription medication, has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms.[1] Ativan also carries a risk profile much like other benzodiazepines—namely, the risk of dependency and misuse. Ativan can pose challenges if used for longer durations than intended or if subjected to misuse. What is Ativan? Ativan, known by its generic name lorazepam, is a widely…
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug that causes an intense but brief high. People who use cocaine tend to use it regularly to achieve that high, quickly leading to dependency. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which covers substance use, mental health, and treatment, approximately 4.8 million…
The long-term effects of meth can be incredibly detrimental. Methamphetamine is an incredibly addictive drug that can cause a variety of health problems. Many people end up getting addicted to this drug and have a hard time getting off of it. Addiction is by far one of the worst side effects of meth. The Last Resort Recovery has some more information…
If you or a loved one has been abusing benzodiazepines for a very long time, it is crucial to know how benzo withdrawals work. Withdrawal happens when a person who is physically dependent on benzos stops taking them. It can cause all sorts of unpleasant and potentially life-threatening symptoms if untreated. What are Common Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms? Benzodiazepines are a class…
Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety or depression. Although Xanax was designed to be a short-term drug (prescriptions up to six weeks), doctors continue to prescribe Xanax long after its intended use. As a result, you may experience long term side effects of Xanax if you continue to use it. Xanax is highly addictive due to…
What is the Timeline for a Detoxing from Cocaine? Everyone’s body reacts to the detoxing process differently. Therefore, the detox timeline will depend on several factors, as each case is different. It will depend on factors, such as the length of the addiction and the amount the individual has been abusing. The frequency of drug abuse is also another factor that impacts the…
People who have been diagnosed with ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication such as Vyvanse or Adderall. These medications are also oftentimes abused by people who want to feel the effects of a stimulant. When this occurs, a prescription drug detox program is necessary for the person to withdraw safely and find healing. What are the differences between Vyvanse vs Adderall?…
There’s a persistent misconception that addiction results from poor judgment or an inherent flaw. The truth is that substance use disorders are a brain disease that can affect anyone, especially if they have a family history of drug abuse or …
The holidays for many people are a time filled with good times and good memories, a time when families get together to celebrate the season. It’s also a time when addicts find that their struggles with substance abuse are intensified. They often struggle to stay away from people and situations that enabled their addiction. The holiday season can provide an increase in temptation…
Parents Guide For Video Game Addiction. How To Prevent Mental Illness Video Game Addiction, or “gaming disorder,” was recently classified as a disease by the WHO (World Health Organization). It is an impulse control disorder, similar to pathological gambling, which does not involve the use of an intoxicating substance. Most studies indicate that this addiction tends to impact young male more than women….
How Long Does Ambien Take To Kick In? Ambien is available in both fast-acting and extended-action formulas, but how long does it take for Ambien to kick in? The effects of fast-acting Ambien will be greatest within 1.5 to 2 hours after it is first ingested. How long does ambien take to work on a full stomach? This will vary but…
Can You Snort Heroin? Do people snort heroin? The short answer is yes. Snorting, or “insufflating,” is increasing in popularity as a means of ingesting heroin. Concerns over disease and other risks associated with needles and injections are likely driving heroin users to this alternative. However, snorting does not reduce heroin addiction risks or any of the other serious problems that…